India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are getting ready to defend their title during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. Experienced all-rounder Hardik Pandya is being considered the “most crucial weapon” for the Men in Blue, as his value in the setup is arguably unmatched.
The Men in Blue are currently playing a five-match T20 series against New Zealand. Notably, this series is India’s last encounter before the T20 World Cup. Pandya has taken four wickets at an average of 17.00 and economy rate of 8.50. With the bat, he has scored 27 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 128.57.
Why did India’s team balance collapse without Hardik Pandya?
Whenever Hardik Pandya is not a part of the playing eleven, the balance of the Indian team gets a big blow. In modern T20 cricket, teams need flexibility and Pandya is the only Indian player who provides it.
With the bat, he can score fast runs in the middle and death overs. He has scored 2,029 runs in 128 T20I matches at an average of 28.18 and a strike rate of 143.30, which includes five half-centuries.
Pandya can also bowl at different stages of the innings, helping the captain adjust plans during tight games. He has taken 105 wickets at an average of 26.54 and an economy rate of 8.30, with his best bowling performance being 4/16.
India’s biggest concern is the lack of like-like replacements. With Pandya in the team, the team can afford to choose an additional specialist batsman. When he is absent, the team either shortens the batting order or turns to part-time bowlers who can be expensive.
Importance of Hardik Pandya in India vs Pakistan match
Hardik Pandya has the ability to stay calm and perform well, especially in a high-pressure game like India vs Pakistan. He has demonstrated against Pakistan on big platforms.
In the 2022 T20 World Cup, he bowled a crucial bowling spell of 3-30 that kept India in the competition. He recorded figures of 2-24 on a difficult pitch against the same opponent in the 2024 edition in New York.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, he dismissed key batsmen Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller and then bowled the final over to seal the title for India.
Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup stats
Hardik Pandya has participated in 24 matches in the T20 World Cup. He has taken 24 wickets at an average of 21.66 and economy rate of 8.52. This fast bowler is the fourth highest wicket taker for India in T20 World Cup history.
Pandya recorded his best bowling figures of 3/20 in the 2024 final against South Africa. He took 11 wickets in just 8 matches during the 2024 edition.
With the bat, Hardik Pandya has scored 357 runs in the T20 World Cup at an average of 29.75 and a strike rate of 142.23, with a highest score of 63. As India prepare for their next T20 World Cup campaign, the team management wants a fully fit Hardik to aim for a third title.
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